EFL 2019: Balwyn to meet Vermont in Premier Division semi-final
Balwyn marked its return to EFL finals in style with a comfortable win over Blackburn, but the player points squeeze continues to give the Tigers’ match committee selection headaches.
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Balwyn made it return to the EFL finals on Saturday.
And it did so in style to move within one win of a sixth grand final appearance in eight years.
The Tigers disposed of Blackburn at Bayswater Oval by 30 points in the EFL Premier Division qualifying final, advancing to meet Vermont in next weekend’s semi-final at the same venue.
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The suburban powerhouse missed finals last year for the first time in 23 years but will renew its finals rivalry against the Eagles for a place in the decider.
The two sides have met in six finals since 2012, including two grand finals, and are two of the most successful clubs in the competition this century.
The result was soured by a bad corkie to star midfielder Shaun Cross, who played no further part in the game after the opening minutes of the first term.
Xavier Richards, Nathan Mullenger McHugh, John Milhuisen, Jackson Weatherald, Alex Urban, Christian Sanfilippo and Liam Frazer also watched from the sidelines due to a combination of injury, player points stresses and VFL duties.
Balwyn coach Rodney said it was a professional performance from his side.
The Tigers played at the maximum 47 points in the cap.
“Everyone contributed and that’s enabled us to win games this year,” Eade said.
“We haven’t got many stars to be honest and if we want to rely on talent alone, we won’t win.
“We had six changes from last week — five injuries, one late and we had to drop (Alex) Urban for points and Alex has played every game for us.
“To have that and those six players come in and all contribute, everyone did well. It was a very professional performance.”
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Balwyn grabbed the lead early when veteran forward Jeff Gobbels kicked the first of his four majors.
The Tigers kicked into a strong wind but established a four-point lead by quarter-time.
“We should have been three or four goals up at quarter-time,” Eade said.
Balwyn dominated all aspects of the game and Blackburn fumbled in the finals intensity as the Tigers opened up a 24-point advantage at the long break.
Blackburn pegged the deficit back to 11 points early in the third term but the Tigers responded to finish with a 15.10 (100) to 10.10 (70) win.
Ryley Monkhorst claimed the ruck battle against Lachie Howe to be one of the most influential players on the ground.
Balwyn’s backline of Taylor Gilchrist, Kris Pendlebury and Jack Martin was superb.
“He was enormous today Monkey. He was fantastic,” Eade said.
“I thought Taylor Gilchrist played really well. I thought Pendlebury played really well. It was Jack Martin’s first game for eight weeks, (he) was terrific.”
Eade also praised the efforts of midfielder Bowen Smith.
“We really rate Bowen Smith,” he said.
“He just does the right things at the right time, his ability to block his opponent and create space for himself at a stoppage, bodywork, tackled well and generally uses the ball well.
“He’s a four-pointer but we’ve got to play him. He’s almost our best midfielder now.”
There were few positives for Blackburn in one of its worst displays of the season.
Burners coach Brendan Allen said starting 6-6-6 starting infringements and ill-discipline hurt his side.
“The team that wanted the contest a little bit more today got the result and that’s something we need to work on for next week,” Allen said.
“Early on we just didn’t settle as quick as Balwyn did and we were a little bit disjointed to get what we wanted.”
“I think we gave away four or five 25m penalties for the day. You can’t do that in finals.”
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